Methods for improving one or more aspects of healthfulness in a subject by applying and continuously wearing core weights

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to methods for improving healthfulness, e.g., improving cardiovascular health, stimulating weight loss, and/or increasing muscle size/tone in animal subjects, including human subjects. In one aspect, the method comprises applying a core weight to each of the front and/or rear limbs of an animal subject at substantially the same distance from the torso so as to be substantially symmetrically placed, and such that each core weight lies within the distal ⅔ of the limbs; and wearing the core weights continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks. In certain embodiments, each of said core weights has substantially the same mass which is 0.2-1.0% of the total body weight of the animal subject, and each of said core weights spans less than ¼ of the total length of the limb to which it is applied.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to methods for improving one or more aspects of healthfulness in a subject, e.g., improving cardiovascular health, stimulating weight loss, increasing muscle size, and/or increasing muscle tone, by applying and continuously wearing core weights of specific weights at specified locations on the body for specified durations of time.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, much of the world is currently experiencing a healthfulness crisis. In recent years, obesity has become an increasingly larger problem in the human population throughout the world and in particular the United States. Similarly, there is a high incidence of cardiovascular problems throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Even animal companions are experiencing lack of healthfulness, with many pets, such as dogs, cats, and horses, being overweight with poor strength and poor cardiovascular health.

Countless exercise regimens have been proposed to improve healthfulness in humans, such as aiding in weight loss, improving cardiovascular health, or increasing muscle size/tone. Typical exercise regimens involve short periods of relatively strenuous activity, for example, walking or running for relatively short periods of time (e.g., a duration of 15 minutes-4 hours) or resistance training with relatively heavy weights for a relatively short period of time (e.g., weight lifting routines). Other examples of typical exercise regimens are cross-training type programs, such as CrossFit exercise regimens or exercise video programs such as P-90X, all of which involve high intensity and short duration, such as 30-90 minutes.

Despite the numerous exercise regimens that have been introduced, lack of healthfulness (e.g., obesity, general lack of strength, and/or cardiovascular issues) remains a huge problem in the United States and throughout the world. Thus, there remains a need in the art for improved methods for improving healthfulness, e.g., improving cardiovascular health, stimulating weight loss, and/or increasing muscle size/tone in animal subjects, including human subjects.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present inventor has developed methods for improving healthfulness, e.g., improving cardiovascular health, stimulating weight loss, and/or increasing muscle size/tone in animal subjects, including human subjects. The methods of the present application provide advantages over the exercise regimens of the prior art.

In one aspect, the present application relates to a method for improving healthfulness of an animal subject, for example by improving cardiovascular performance, stimulating weight loss, increasing muscle size, and/or increasing muscle tone in an animal subject having a torso and front and rear limbs. In certain embodiments, the animal subject to which the weights are applied is a mammal, for example a cat, dog, horse, cow, pig, sheep, goat, or human. In additional embodiments, the animal subject is a bird with wings as front limbs and legs as rear limbs.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises applying a core weight to each of the front limbs and/or each of the rear limbs of the animal subject, wherein the core weights are applied to each of said front limbs and/or rear limbs at substantially the same distance from the torso of the animal subject so as to be substantially symmetrically placed. In particular embodiments, the core weights are applied to both the front limbs (or arms) and rear limbs (or legs) of the subject, while in other embodiments the core weights are applied to only the front or the rear limbs.

In certain embodiments, each core weight is applied such that it lies entirely within the distal ⅔ of a limb. In particular embodiments, each core weight is applied such that it lies entirely within the distal ½, ⅓, or ¼ of a limb. In additional embodiments, the core weights are applied to the subject's front limbs or arms at a location between the wrist and elbow joints and/or are applied to the subject's rear limbs or legs at a location between the ankle and knee joints.

In further embodiments, the core weights are worn by the subject continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks. In particular embodiments, the core weights are worn by the subject for 8-18, 10-18, or 12-18 hours per day. In further embodiments, the core weights are worn by the subject at least 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days per week. In still further embodiments, the core weights are worn by the subject for at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 consecutive weeks or for at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 consecutive months.

In still further embodiments, each of the core weights being applied has substantially the same mass and the mass of each core weight is 0.2-1.0% of the total body weight of the animal subject. In particular embodiments, the mass of each core weight is 0.3-0.9%, 0.4-0.8%, or 0.5-0.7% of the total body weight of the animal subject.

In yet further embodiments, each of the core weights spans less than ¼ of the total length of the limb to which it is being applied. In still further embodiments, each of the core weights spans less than 3/16 or less than ⅛ of the total length of the limb to which it is being applied.

In certain embodiments, the core weights comprise a metallic material while in other embodiments the core weights comprise a polymeric material optionally filled with sand or another particulate material. In particular embodiments, the core weights comprise copper and/or magnetic materials. In further embodiments, the core weights are covered in a fabric, such as a cotton or polymer-based fabric material, for example nylon, rayon, polyester, or blends of these materials.

In certain embodiments, the method of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with other exercise regimens, such as cross training, running, walking, or weight lifting, to provide improved results over those obtained using just the other exercise regimen(s) alone.

In additional aspects, the present application relates to a kit for promoting healthfulness of a subject, for example improving cardiovascular performance, stimulating weight loss, and/or increasing muscle size and/or muscle tone in an animal subject, the kit comprising a plurality (e.g., 2-4) core weights, and instructions for using said core weights as set forth in the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, each of the core weights of the kit has substantially the same mass and the mass of each core weight is 0.2-1.0%, 0.3-0.9%, 0.4-0.8%, or 0.5-0.7% of the total body weight of the animal subject. In further embodiments, the instructions direct the user to apply a core weight to each of the front limbs and/or rear limbs at substantially the same distance from the torso of the animal subject so as to be substantially symmetrically placed and such that they lie entirely within the distal ⅔ of a limb. In still further embodiments, the instructions instruct the user to have the animal subject wear the core weights continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a human subject with core weights applied to both front limbs (arms) and rear limbs (legs) at various positions along the distal ⅔ of the limb. More specifically, FIG. 1A illustrates the core weights applied at approximately the wrists and ankles of the subject; FIG. 1B illustrates the core weights applied at approximately mid-calf and mid-forearm of the subject; and FIG. 1C illustrates the core weights applied just distal to the elbows and knees of the subject.

FIG. 2 illustrates a quadruped subject (e.g., a horse) with core weights applied to both front and rear limbs at an position within the distal ⅔ of the front and rear limbs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, terms in the singular and the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” for example, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “weight,” “the weight” or “a weight” also includes a plurality of weights. Additionally, as used herein, the term “comprises” is intended to indicate a non-exhaustive list of components or steps, thus indicating that the given composition or method includes the listed components or steps and may also include additional components or steps not specifically listed. As an example, a core weight “comprising copper” may also include additional materials, such as other metals, polymers, fabric, etc. The term “comprising” is also intended to encompass embodiments “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” the listed components or steps. Similarly, the term “consisting essentially of” is also intended to encompass embodiments “consisting of” the listed components or steps.

Numeric ranges recited within the specification and claims are inclusive of the numbers defining the range (the end point numbers) and also are intended to include each integer or any non-integer fraction within the defined range. Further, as used herein, the term “about” refers to a number that differs from the given number by less than 10%. In other embodiments, the term “about” indicates that the number differs from the given number by less than 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%.

The present inventors have developed methods for improving healthfulness in animal subjects, including human subjects. In certain embodiments, the improved healthfulness includes one or more of improved cardiovascular health, increased weight loss, increased muscle size, and increased muscle tone. In certain embodiments, the specific measure of healthfulness that is improved can be partially driven by the diet (e.g., caloric intake and composition) and basal activity level (e.g., sedentary, mild activity, or high activity level) of the subject. For example, if the subject is operating at a caloric deficit, the method can result in increased weight loss than would otherwise be achieved without the use of the method disclosed herein. Similarly, if the subject is not ingesting sufficient levels of protein, the method will tend to cause increased weight loss as opposed to increased muscle gain. Conversely, if the subject's caloric intake is net positive and the composition of the subject's diet includes sufficient protein, then the improved healthfulness achieved using the disclosed method will tend to be increased muscle size and/or tone. Further, if the subject's basal activity level is more active (e.g., the subject has an occupation that includes standing and walking for a period of several hours, such as a restaurant server), the method will tend to result in increased weight loss. Persons skilled in the art would be able to readily adjust caloric intake/composition and activity level to direct the improved healthfulness in a desired direction.

The methods disclosed herein can be applied to any suitable animal subject. In one aspect, the present application relates to a method for improving healthfulness of an animal subject having a torso and front and rear limbs. In certain embodiments, the animal subject is a mammal, for example a cat, dog, horse, cow, pig, sheep, goat, or human. In particular embodiments the animal subject is a human (child or adult). In additional embodiments, the animal subject is a bird with wings as front limbs and legs as rear limbs.

The method disclosed herein comprises applying a core weight to each of the front limbs and/or each of the rear limbs of the animal subject. To be suitable for use as a core weight of the present invention, a weight must at least 1) be readily attachable to a limb of the subject animal, 2) fall within the prescribed weight range (or be adjustable-weight so that it can be made to fall within the prescribed weight range), and 3) be capable of being worn for extended periods of time for multiple days.

Core weights can include any weight that has a suitable means for attachment to a limb of an animal subject. In certain embodiments, the weight can be attachable via a clasp (e.g., a watchband-like strap or clasp), while in other embodiments the weight can be attachable via elastic. Any other suitable means for attachment can be used, and such means for attachment will be readily known to those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, one or more of the core weights being worn can also function as or be a platform for another device or article, such as, but not limited to, a wristwatch, a smart watch, a pedometer, a fitness tracker, a heart rate monitor, a music player, or a communication device.

Core weights can also comprise any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the weight will comprise a metal material, such as, for example, steel, stainless steel, iron, brass, copper, silver, tungsten, or gold. In particular embodiments, the weight will comprise a magnetic material. Such weights can provide additional advantages, as magnetic materials have been suggested to provide certain health benefits. In additional particular embodiments, the weights can comprise copper, which also can provide additional advantages, as copper materials have also been suggested to provide certain health benefits. In further embodiments, the weights can comprise a non-metal material, such as a polymeric material. Such polymeric weights can also comprise an additional material to provide increased weight, such as a filling comprising a particulate material (e.g., sand) or a liquid (e.g., water). In further embodiments, the weights can comprise a fabric material, such as a fabric covering. Such fabric coverings can be used, for example, to improve comfortability/wearability of the weights. In certain embodiments, the mass of the core weights can be adjusted, for example, by adding or removing particulate material, liquid, or other weighted parts.

In certain embodiments, each of the core weights being applied has substantially the same mass. In other embodiments, each core weight applied to the front limbs has substantially the same mass and each core weight applied to the rear limbs has substantially the same mass, but the mass of the front limb core weights differs from those of the rear limb core weights.

In certain embodiments, the mass of each core weight is 0.2-1.0% of the total body weight of the animal subject. In further embodiments, the mass of each core weight is 0.3-0.9% of the total body weight of the animal subject. In still further embodiments, the mass of each core weight is 0.4-0.8% of the total body weight of the animal subject. In yet further embodiments, the mass of each core weight is 0.5-0.7% of the total body weight of the animal subject. In particular embodiments, the mass of each core weight can be adjusted to fall within the specified weight ratio depending on the body weight of the subject, such as by adding sand, water, or small weighted parts to the core weight.

In certain embodiments, the animal subject has a body weight within one of the ranges listed in Table 1. In other embodiments, the animal subject has a body weight within one of the ranges listed in Table 1 and each core weight used in the method has a mass within one of the weight ranges provided as Embodiments 1-4 in Table 1. For example, the subject has a body weight between 150 and 200 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 0.3-2.0 pounds, 0.4-1.5 pounds, 0.6-1.35 pounds, 0.8-1.2 pounds, or 1.0-1.05 pounds.

TABLE 1 Subject body weight and core weight mass Subject's Body Weight Mass of Each Core Weight (lbs) (lbs) Embodiment 1 Embodiment 2 Embodiment 3 Embodiment 4 Embodiment 5 15-20 0.03-0.2  0.04-0.15  0.06-0.135 0.08-0.12  0.1-0.105 20-25 0.04-0.25 0.05-0.2  0.075-0.18   0.1-0.16 0.125-0.14  25-30 0.05-0.3  0.06-0.25  0.09-0.225 0.12-0.2   0.15-0.175 30-35 0.06-0.35 0.07-0.3  0.105-0.27  0.14-0.24 0.175-0.21  35-40 0.07-0.4  0.08-0.35  0.12-0.315 0.16-0.28  0.2-0.245 40-50 0.08-0.5  0.1-0.4 0.15-0.36  0.2-0.32 0.25-0.28 50-60 0.1-0.6 0.12-0.5  0.18-0.45 0.24-0.4   0.3-0.35 60-75 0.12-0.75 0.15-0.6  0.225-0.54   0.3-0.48 0.375-0.42   75-100 0.15-1.0   0.2-0.75  0.3-0.675 0.4-0.6  0.5-0.525 100-125  0.2-1.25 0.25-1.0  0.375-0.9  0.5-0.8 0.625-0.7  125-175 0.25-1.75 0.35-1.25 0.525-1.125 0.7-1.0 0.875-0.875 150-200 0.3-2.0 0.4-1.5  0.6-1.35 0.8-1.2  1.0-1.05 175-225 0.35-2.25 0.45-1.75 0.675-1.575 0.9-1.4 1.125-1.225 200-250 0.4-2.5 0.5-2.0 0.75-1.8  1.0-1.6 1.25-1.4  250-300 0.5-3.0 0.6-2.5  0.9-2.25 1.2-2.0  1.5-1.75 300-350 0.6-3.5 0.7-3.0 1.05-2.7  1.4-2.4 1.75-2.1  350-400 0.7-4.0 0.8-3.5  1.2-3.15 1.6-2.8  2.0-2.45 400-450 0.8-4.5 0.9-4.0 1.35-3.6  1.8-3.2 2.25-2.8  450-500 0.9-5.0    1-4.5.0  1.5-4.05 2.0-3.6  2.5-3.15 500-600 1.0-6.0 1.2-5.0 1.8-4.5 2.4-4.0 3.0-3.5 600-750 1.2-7.5 1.5-6.0 2.25-5.4  3.0-4.8 3.75-4.2   750-1000  1.5-10.0 2.0-7.5  3.0-6.75 4.0-6.0  5.0-5.25 1000-1250  2.0-12.5  2.5-10.0 3.75-9.0  5.0-8.0 6.25-7.0  1250-1500  2.5-15.0  3.0-12.5  4.5-11.25  6.0-10.0  7.5-8.75 1500-2000  3.0-20.0  4.0-15.0  6.0-13.5  8.0-12.0 10.0-10.5 2000-2500  4.0-25.0  5.0-20.0  7.5-18.0 10.0-16.0 12.5-14.0 2500-3000  5.0-30.0  6.0-25.0  9.0-22.5 12.0-20.0 15.0-17.5

In certain embodiments, the subject is a human with a body weight between 50 and 350 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 0.1-3.5 pounds, with the mass of each core weight being 0.2-1.0%, 0.3-0.9%, 0.4-0.8%, or 0.5-0.7% of the total body weight of the human subject. In certain particular embodiments, the subject is a human with a body weight between 150 and 200 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 0.3-2.0 pounds. In other particular embodiments, the subject is a human with a body weight between 150 and 200 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 0.4-1.5 pounds. In additional particular embodiments, the subject is a human with a body weight between 150 and 200 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 0.6-1.35 pounds. In further particular embodiments, the subject is a human with a body weight between 150 and 200 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 0.8-1.2 pounds. In still further particular embodiments, the subject is a human with a body weight between 150 and 200 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 1.0-1.05 pounds.

In other embodiments, the subject is a horse with a body weight between 750 and 2000 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 1.5-20.0 pounds, with the mass of each core weight being 0.2-1.0%, 0.3-0.9%, 0.4-0.8%, or 0.5-0.7% of the total body weight of the horse. In certain particular embodiments, the subject is a horse with a body weight between 1250 and 1500 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 2.5-15.0 pounds. In other particular embodiments, the subject is a horse with a body weight between 1250 and 1500 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 3.0-12.5 pounds. In additional particular embodiments, the subject is a horse with a body weight between 1250 and 1500 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 4.5-11.25 pounds. In further particular embodiments, the subject is a horse with a body weight between 1250 and 1500 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 6.0-10.0 pounds. In still further particular embodiments, the subject is a horse with a body weight between 1250 and 1500 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 7.5-8.75 pounds.

In additional particular embodiments, the subject is a dog with a body weight between 15 and 100 pounds and each core weight has a mass of 0.03-1.0 pounds, with the mass of each core weight being 0.2-1.0%, 0.3-0.9%, 0.4-0.8%, or 0.5-0.7% of the total body weight of the dog.

In certain embodiments, the core weights are applied to each of the subject's front limbs and/or rear limbs at substantially the same distance from the torso of the animal subject so as to be substantially symmetrically placed. In particular embodiments, the core weights are applied to both the front limbs and rear limbs of the subject, while in other embodiments the core weights are applied to only the front or the rear limbs. In certain particular embodiments, the subject is a human subject and the core weights are applied only to the arms (front limbs). In other particular embodiments, the subject is a human subject and the core weights are applied only to the legs (rear limbs). In further particular embodiments, the subject is a human subject and the core weights are applied to both the arms (front limbs) and legs (rear limbs). In still further particular embodiments, the subject is a horse or dog and the core weights are applied to both the front limbs and rear limbs.

In certain embodiments, each core weight is applied such that it lies entirely within the distal ⅔ of a limb. In particular embodiments, each core weight is applied such that it lies entirely within the distal ½ of a limb. In other particular embodiments, each core weight is applied such that it lies entirely within the distal ⅓ of a limb. In still further particular embodiments, each core weight is applied such that it lies entirely within the distal ¼ of a limb. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2, placement can be anywhere within the distal ⅔, ½, ⅓, or ¼ of each limb, however placement on both front limbs and/or both rear limbs should be at substantially the same distance from the torso of the animal subject so as to be substantially symmetrically placed. For example, with a human subject, core weights could be placed at just below the elbow on both arms and at the ankle of both legs. In certain particular embodiments, the core weights are applied to a human subject's arms at a location between the wrist and elbow joints and/or are applied to the human subject's legs at a location between the ankle and knee joints.

In certain embodiments, each of the core weights is sized such that it spans less than ¼ of the total length of the limb to which it is being applied. In particular embodiments, each of the core weights is sized such that it spans less than 3/16 of the total length of the limb to which it is being applied. In further particular embodiments, each of the core weights is sized such that it spans less than ⅛ of the total length of the limb to which it is being applied. Sizing the core weights in such a way ensures that the mass of the core weight is concentrated at a desired location within the distal ⅔ of the limb.

In certain embodiments, the core weights are worn by the subject continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks. In particular embodiments, the core weights are worn by the subject for 8-18, 10-18, or 12-18 hours per day. In further embodiments, the core weights are worn by the human subject at least 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days per week. In still further embodiments, the core weights are worn by the human subject for at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 consecutive weeks or for at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 consecutive months.

In certain embodiments, the method of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with other exercise regimens, such as cross training, running, walking, or weight lifting, to provide improved results over those obtained using just the other exercise regimen(s) alone.

In additional aspects, the present application relates to a kit for promoting healthfulness of a subject, for example improving cardiovascular performance, stimulating weight loss, and/or increasing muscle size and/or muscle tone in an animal subject, the kit comprising a plurality (e.g., 2-4) core weights, and instructions for using said core weights. In certain embodiments, each of the core weights of the kit has substantially the same mass and the mass of each core weight is 0.2-1.0%, 0.3-0.9%, 0.4-0.8%, or 0.5-0.7% of the total body weight of the animal subject. In further embodiments, the instructions direct the user to apply a core weight to each of the front limbs and/or rear limbs at substantially the same distance from the torso of the animal subject so as to be substantially symmetrically placed and such that they lie entirely within the distal ⅔ of a limb. In still further embodiments, the instructions instruct the user to have the animal subject wear the core weights continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks.

Example

A human subject performed the method of the invention across a period of approximately 4 months. The subject was a male, age 39, whose body weight fell within the range of 160-182 pounds throughout the trial. The subject wore core weights on both wrists for 14-18 hours per day for 6-7 days per week during the entire trial. The core weights were substantially the same weight and weighed approximately one pound each, thus providing a weight ratio of 0.55%-0.63% of his body weight throughout the trial. Other than stretching, the subject did not take part in any supplemental exercise regimen throughout the trial; instead he merely went about his typical daily routine while wearing the core weights. Additionally, on a daily basis the subject generally consumed a caloric excess as compared to his basal daily requirement and generally consumed at least the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of protein.

Throughout the trial, the subject's muscle size was monitored by measuring the circumference of various points on the body encompassing major muscle groups. The subject added approximately 0.5 inch to each thigh, approximately 0.5 inch to each bicep area, and approximately 1 inch to the width between his shoulders. The subject also reported continuously increased muscle tone, strength, and stamina throughout the course of the trial, as well as improved sleep and posture, increased energy and libido, and reduced joint aches.

Further, the subject reported no adverse health effects from wearing the core weights for the prescribed periods of time. The subject did not report any increased joint pain or periods of feeling excessively winded throughout the trial. The subject did report mild muscle stiffness/tenderness, which was generally alleviated or controlled by stretching.

This trial demonstrates the effectiveness of the method described herein in improving healthfulness of a subject. 

I claim:
 1. A method for improving healthfulness in an animal subject having a torso and front and rear limbs, the method comprising: applying a core weight to each of said front limbs and/or each of said rear limbs of the animal subject, wherein the core weights are applied to each of said front limbs and/or rear limbs at substantially the same distance from the torso of the animal subject so as to be substantially symmetrically placed, and wherein the entirety each core weight is applied such that it lies within the distal ⅔ of a limb; wherein the core weights are worn by the subject continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks; wherein each of said core weights has substantially the same mass; wherein the mass of each core weight is 0.2-1.0% of the total body weight of the animal subject.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the animal subject is a human subject.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the human subject has both arms and legs, said arms having wrist and elbow joints and said legs having ankle and knee joints, wherein the core weights are applied to the human subject's arms at a location between the wrist and elbow joints and/or are applied to the human subject's legs at a location between the ankle and knee joints.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the mass of each core weight is 0.3-0.9% of the total body weight of the animal subject.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the mass of each core weight is 0.4-0.8% of the total body weight of the animal subject.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mass of each core weight is 0.5-0.7% of the total body weight of the animal subject.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the core weights are worn by the human subject for 8-18 hours per day.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the core weights are worn by the human subject for 12-18 hours per day.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the core weights are worn by the human subject at least 3 days per week.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the core weights are worn by the human subject at least 4 days per week.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the core weights are worn by the human subject at least 5 days per week.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the core weights are worn by the human subject for at least 3 consecutive weeks.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the core weights are worn by the human subject for at least 3 consecutive weeks.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the core weights are worn by the human subject for at least 3 consecutive weeks.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said core weights comprise copper and/or magnetic materials.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein each of said core weights spans less than ¼ of the total length of the limb to which it is applied
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the improved healthfulness comprises one or more of improved cardiovascular performance, weight loss, increased muscle size, and increased muscle tone.
 18. A kit for improving cardiovascular performance, stimulating weight loss, increasing muscle size, and/or increasing muscle tone in an animal subject having a torso and front and rear limbs, the method comprising, the kit comprising: 2-4 core weights, wherein each of said core weights has substantially the same mass and wherein the mass of each core weight is 0.20-1.0% of the total body weight of the animal subject; and instructions for using said core weights, wherein said instructions direct the reader to a) apply a core weight to each of said front limbs and/or each of said rear limbs of the animal subject at substantially the same distance from the torso of the animal subject so as to be substantially symmetrically placed and such that it falls within the distal ⅔ of a limb; and b) have the animal subject wear the core weights continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks. 